Government is taking steps to resolve the proliferation of sprouting billboards and signages across the country to help maintain a cleaner, and more visible environment in all major cities in Ghana by providing appropriate guidelines.

The move is being initiated through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) seeks to restore order, safety, and beauty in Ghana’s urban spaces while ensuring compliance with national planning and environmental standards.

At the inauguration of the Technical Working Committee  in Accra to oversee the regulation and standardisation of signages in cities across the country, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah in her acceptance speech as the chairperson of the committee, expressed appreciation to the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, for his visionary leadership and commitment to restoring order and environmental integrity in Ghana’s cities.

She noted that the uncontrolled display of billboards and other signages had long compromised the aesthetic and environmental quality of urban areas. She was of the firm believe that the establishment of this Technical Working Committee is timely and strategic, a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to promoting cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing cities.

Hon. Sowah emphasized that the Committee would work diligently to develop practical and enforceable guidelines that integrate safety, environmental protection, and cultural identity. She gave the assurance that they will work within the broad policy direction outlined by the Hon. Minister to produce comprehensive regulations that not only address current challenges but also anticipate future needs.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the success of the initiative would depend on stakeholder engagement and public education, adding that the Committee will ensure that public awareness, education, and consultation forms part of the process.

She said urban beautification is a necessity for national development, as a well-ordered city reflects discipline, responsibility, and pride in the shared spaces. According to her, when skylines are regulated it sends a powerful message that Ghana values order, safety, and aesthetics just as much as economic growth.

The multi-sectorial committee has key institutions such as National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads, Ministry of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Institute of Engineers and planners, Department of Parks and Gardens, Attorney-General’s Department, National Development Planning Commission, Police Motor Transport and Traffic Department and the Advertising Association of Ghana.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Chief Director of MLGCRA, Alhaji Amin Abdul -Rahaman indicated that the Committee is expected to collaborate with relevant agencies to produce standardised guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of signages in urban areas, ensuring they align with Ghana’s planning and safety regulations.

He further noted that the committee has been tasked to formulate uniform guidelines for permit issuance, ensure safety and zoning compliance, develop enforcement mechanisms, and create a centralized digital database of approved signages. The committee is also expected to review existing laws and recommend amendments where necessary to align with international standards.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The   Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that government is taking steps to amend portions of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) to restore the authority of traditional leaders to summon their subjects.

Hon. Ibrahim disclosed this during an engagement with members of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, where he explained that the proposed amendment seeks to empower chiefs to effectively enforce customary practices, strengthen traditional governance structures, and support the protection of Ghana’s natural resources.

According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of government’s broader commitment to revitalize the chieftaincy institution and ensure that they remain relevant in contemporary governance. He emphasized that restoring the power of summons will not only reinforce the dignity of traditional rulers but also revive important community values such as communal labour and mutual responsibility.

He recounted how communal labour and local order were maintained in the past through the authority of the chiefs. He was of the belief that when the power to summon is restored, traditional leaders can once again mobilize their communities to protect their environment, uphold discipline, and safeguard customary laws.

Hon Ibrahim further noted that empowering chiefs in this way will complement government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and other environmental offences, as chiefs will be better positioned to engage directly with their subjects on matters affecting their lands and natural resources.

He also referenced the President’s plan to establish Palace Courts, an initiative aimed at decentralizing justice delivery by allowing traditional authorities to handle minor offences, particularly those related to sanitation and local disputes, within their jurisdictions, emphasizing that this reflected the President’s confidence in the chieftaincy institution as a key partner in promoting local governance, law, and order.

The Minister was, however, quick to note that any restored powers will come with clear safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure accountability. He assured that government will engage all stakeholders including the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, traditional councils, and the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure that the amendment aligns with the Constitution and respects the rights of citizens.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Locreater Accra Regional House of Chiefs on Strengthening Local Governance Collaborational Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening partnership between traditional leaders and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to enhance governance efficiency and sustainable development at the local level.

He made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the members of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Dodowa, on Thursday, 9th October 2025.

Addressing the chiefs and queenmothers, the Minister explained that the recent merger of the Ministry of Local Government with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs forms part of government’s broader reset agenda aimed at promoting coordination, eliminating administrative overlaps, and fostering integration between traditional leadership and modern local governance systems.

This reform, according to him, is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a transformational agenda that seeks to harmonize the roles of traditional and administrative authorities for the collective advancement of local development.

Hon. Ibrahim informed the members that, per the new structure, the Ministry aims to Strengthen linkages between Traditional Councils and District Assemblies for improved coordination; Enhance communication and data flow between traditional governance and local administrative systems and facilitate joint community development projects, while Improving efficiency in public service delivery.

He underscored the pivotal role of chiefs as custodians of culture, peace, and land, stressing that sustainable development is only achievable when traditional authorities actively participate in local governance.

The Minister assured the House that the Ministry will continue to provide the necessary policy, institutional, and financial support to ensure seamless implementation of the merger, including capacity-building programmes for Registrars and Traditional Council Members.

Hon. Ibrahim also expressed his appreciation to the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, His Majesty King Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo as well as the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah for their leadership and support in facilitating effective dialogue between government and traditional authorities.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA